Husband in remission learns his cancer has returned as wife is diagnosed with one of the rarest forms

MICHIGAN (WITI) -- A husband and wife from Grand Rapids, Michigan are battling cancer simultaneously while trying to raise their two young girls.

30-year-old Shelby Offrink was diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma of the spine -- one of the rarest forms of cancer -- in February of 2014. It causes extreme pain, and can lead to paralysis.

Offrink's husband, Ben Offrink learned his Hodgkin's lymphoma had relapsed for the third time -- just months after his wife's diagnosis.

"We were just all really freaked out -- panicked, feeling like it wasn't real," Abbey Mix, a long-time friend of Shelby's said.

The couple is now going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments together.

"I think that they're an inspiration for us. Shelby's positive attitude and wanting to fight from the get go really spread amongst us and we couldn't help but rally and stay positive because of her," Kristy Hendricks, a long-time friend of Shelby's said.

It's a positively not tempered by an unbelievable double diagnosis -- even as recently, doctors have learned Shelby's cancer has spread to her brain.

"They've had to endure more than any family should, but I've also said from the beginning, we've said 'if anyone can do this, it's them.' They have great spirits. They have been fighting from the get-go. They have had such positive attitudes," Hendricks said.

Over the past year, family members and friends have organized several fundraisers to help the family with medical expenses and to cover the cost of daycare for their two young girls -- just one and three years old.

"They know that, you know, a situation that's -- it's pretty much unbelievable to be in, and they know they wouldn't be able to be fighting and surviving as they are if it wouldn't be for the community," Mix said.

Doctors are working to slow the growth of Shelby's cancer. As for Ben, he needs a bone marrow transplant, but that can't happen until his cancer goes into remission.

The couple says they're grateful and enamored to see just how many people have reached out to them -- pledging their support.

An account has been established for the family at YouCaring.com. So far, more than $27,000 has been raised.